PDF version of Persephone Variations by Micah Mooney

Solo for unaccompanied Baritone Saxophone

The Ancient Greeks attributed the change of seasons to Persephone. As goddess of vegetation and queen of the Underworld, she must stay in Hell for six months, but may roam the land of the living during the rest of the year. Persephone Variations journeys with the goddess as she moves between domains throughout the span of a year. Each seasonal movement follows the same form, and heavily features the minor 6th, a very melancholy interval. We start in Autumn, when Persephone is dragged to the Underworld. After sorrow and mourning in Winter, Persephone is permitted to leave and rejoices in Spring. Lastly, she spends Summer at rest, though sadly aware that this bliss will disappear when the seasons change once again.

Video: https://youtu.be/X9kehPvecdg